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The Cemetery Beyond the Shore
The Cemetery Beyond the Shore
The Cemetery Beyond the Shore
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The Cemetery Beyond the Shore

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A short story of a young woman on a quest to accomplish a list left behind by her Finnish grandmother.

An opportunity for self-discovery, learning of personal heritage she didn't fully grasp, and a journey she never would have had without a little bit of a nudge from those she loves and a new friend she makes along the way.

 A good push towards a happiness she thought beyond her reach.

This story is set in Astoria, Oregon and though it is fiction many historical facts, descriptions or names of specific locations, and a little family history were added simply because it fit.

A not so spooky story inspired by the Astoria 2018 writing contest 'The Graveyard of the Pacific Northwest'.  My imagination decided there was an entirely different story to tell that just couldn't be told in 1,200 words.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherDawn M Hyde
Release dateSep 18, 2021
ISBN9781386795544
The Cemetery Beyond the Shore
Author

Dawn M Hyde

I am an Independant Author from Oregon.  Writing had been a very secret passion of mine for years until I began publishing not so long ago. My scenery, life, and beautiful family are my inspiration to finally share my work passion with the world.   My Latest Project of 2018 **From Legacy to the Evolution of The Relic Records--The Beginning Book 1 (An Evolution & Legacy of Ash Spin-off Series) **The Relic Records--Is This The End...Really? Book 2   **The Relic Records--About The Dog! Book 3 **The Relic Records--TBA  Book 4( Under Construction) *****Previous Publications Now E-Book Exclusive***** * Symbolic Bonds: Books 1 thru 4 (Smash-up)      *The Immortal Chronicles of Queen Kyra Trilogy (Smash-up) *Woods Duo (Smash-up) *A Collection of Short Works *A Collection of Short Works Book 2 *The Sisters Series:  The Choosing and The Claiming. *****My Books Available Both in e-book and paperback:***** * Symbolic Bonds: Books 1 thru 4       *The Immortal Chronicles of Queen Kyra Trilogy: Loss, Fulfillment, and Ever After *In The Woods--Bonus Prequels (Inspired by The Cabin in the Woods from above collection) *Out Of The Woods--Follow-up novella to In The Woods   **Ash:  The Beginning--The Complete and Uncut Prequel** **A Whole New World--Evolution & The Legacy of Ash: Book 1** **The Enemy of Thine Enemy...Is My Friend--Evolution & The Legacy of Ash: Book 2** **What Lurks At Home--Evolution & The Legacy of Ash: Book 3** **Ash:  Our Evolution and Legacy--The Complete and Uncut Epilogue** ***Karelia's Hidden Lily **My Super-Unnatural Spring Break A High-Witch's Guide: To The WTF Moments Of The Universe Book 1 **So…This Is The Other Realm…Intersesting A High-Witch's Guide: To The WTF Moments Of The Universe Book 2

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    Book preview

    The Cemetery Beyond the Shore - Dawn M Hyde

    A short story of a young woman on a quest to accomplish a list left behind by her Finnish grandmother.

    An opportunity for self-discovery, learning of personal heritage she didn't fully grasp, a journey she never would have had without a little bit of a nudge from those she loves, and a new friend she makes along the way.

    A good push towards a happiness she thought was beyond her reach.

    This story is set in Astoria, Oregon and though it is fiction, many historical facts, descriptions or names of specific locations, and a little family history were added simply because it fit.

    A not so spooky story inspired by the Astoria 2018 writing contest: 'The Graveyard of the Pacific Northwest'.  My imagination decided there was an entirely different story to tell that just couldn't be told in 1,200 words.  The title fits my usual body of work with a taste of the paranormal or the supernatural. However...this short story has none of that.

    The only magic is within the story...the human spirit...the history...the rich and not widely known cultural diversity of a tiny town many of us recall being a part of several movies in our past. (I.e., The Goonies)

    This is a short story of a young woman on a quest to accomplish a list left behind by her Finnish grandmother.

    Anna is at a point in her life where she has fallen into the 'rut' and has been happy to simply exist. Although, a request from her deceased grandmother begins a wonderful tale reminding Anna there is more to life than work, home, or sleep...and she wants more.

    An opportunity for self-discovery, learning of personal heritage she didn't fully grasp, a journey she never would have had without a little bit of a nudge from those she loves, and a new friend she makes along the way.

    Johnny is a nice church-going Finnish boy, matching her grandmother's list, with a brain full of history and a wonderful way of sharing that with a new friend.

    All a good push towards a happiness she thought was beyond her reach and the reminder she can make anything she wants happen.

    This story is set in Astoria, Oregon and though it is fiction, many historical facts, descriptions or names of specific locations, and a little family history were added simply because it fit.

    A not so spooky story inspired by the Astoria 2018 writing contest: 'The Graveyard of the Pacific Northwest'. My imagination decided there was an entirely different story to tell that just couldn't be told in 1,200 words.

    And The Story Begins...

    Dearest little Serkku (Cousin),

    Time to quit putting off the inevitable.  You are keeping the promise to Mummo (Grandma) and retracing her steps through what remains of Uniontown.  You are the last one we are waiting for in this third generation of Americans. 

    I know it is difficult...believe me, I made the trip as well.  We all have...except you.

    However, even you must say ‘goodbye’ or that woman won’t rest.  As she wrote, signed, and notarized in her ‘last will’ that exact statement.  This was not something to be left up to majority rule...you have to do your part too.

    You always considered her ‘spunky’ and fun.  Although to the rest of us still waiting, she’s becoming borderline ilkeä (malevolent).  

    We’ve voted as a family, and we’re tired of burning sage because her henki (spirit) is still too strong being earthbound.  She is waiting for her last challenge...that is getting you to understand what that word ‘Sisu’ means to all of us.  What it meant to her and Isoisä (Grandpa).

    I’ve included the copy of her directions, minus the English translations, to test your memory.  Plus, I think it’s hilarious when you have to stop for directions when you are the most boastful of learning the ‘old ways’. 

    The ‘old ways’, dear, include the language, not just how to survive in harsh unknown environments. A rationale for being wild-spirited, or an excuse to be an adrenaline-junky.  Mummo c. 1993

    You can do this...I promise!

    Your Sisu, Mummo admired and considered the proudest piece of herself that she passed along to the next generations.  You never let her down before, little serkku...don’t even think of doing it now because you believe your pain greater than ours.

    I also included a little incentive to get your takapuoli (backside) moving towards the coffee pot.  Grab a bag, coat, shoes, and your keys. 

    Maybe you’ll get something you both want from this trip.  You will learn as she wished and maybe you’ll find a nice, hardworking Finnish boy.

    Wait...sorry...also her wish, and I really can’t point fingers so...scratch that.

    If anything, you can relax and give yourself a break from practicing ‘avoidance and denial’.  Still a good thing!

    You have all our love and support, our youngest little cousin.  Call me if you need anything!  Even if it’s just someone to cry with at three in the morning.

    Kaipaan sinua pikku serkku.  Rakkaudella aina,

    (I miss you little cousin.  With love always,)

    Serkkunsa Elizabeth

    (Cousin Elizabeth)

    P.S.  Don’t forget to post the photos you take to an album and share it with the family.  Leave a little caption about what you learned or where you were. 

    (A tip to keep the elders off our backs.)

    Mentioning I had vacation time...huge mistake! 

    A family vote sent in ‘sharpshooter’ Elizabeth with her mighty pen, wrangling in the irresponsible one.  Vicious ‘syrupy, sweet nudges’ sounding much sweeter in person than on paper, mind you.

    Although, instead of finding myself full of anger at her harsh words, I am left holding a random news article and feel like a complete jerk. 

    As if my non-compliance held Mummo’s spirit earthbound like I have some powers.  Because I didn’t learn all the ‘old ways’ as the others and now it’s my turn to learn alone. 

    Dammit...they had more time!  None of which is my fault! 

    My mother was the youngest and a later in life child.  Mummo should have considered herself lucky my mother wasn’t a teen mom just so I had more time to learn to can a fish.

    ***

    You know, there are negative bits to Sisu for a Finn; it’s not all positive admirable strength.  My family seems to be oblivious to that fact because Sisu means many wonderful things in our culture. 

    It’s the intestinal fortitude to look fate in the face and laugh no matter how much we are told anything is impossible or beyond our reach.  Life leaving us battered and bruised, yet we use our last breaths to beg for more because, even then, we will never say ‘I give up’. 

    On the downside of that, we are stubborn, relentless, and our

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